2 pit bulls attack beagle, 1 shot to death by Summit County deputy

COLORADO -- A pit bull was shot to death in Summit County after it and a second pit bull attacked another dog as spectators were gathering for the USA Pro Challenge bike race.

It happened Tuesday at about 2:30 p.m. at the intersection of Highway 9 and Carroll Lane. Witnesses described a chaotic scene after the two unrestrained pit bulls appeared to viciously target a 15-year-old beagle named Heidi.

One of the pit bulls had a collar, and bystanders were able to pull it back; however, the other dog had no collar and efforts to stop its attack were unsuccessful.

When it became apparent that Heidi would not survive if the attack continued, the deputy ordered everyone to step back and subsequently shot and killed the attacking dog.

[Why not shoot it immediately?]

"We fully support the actions of our deputy," said Sheriff John Minor. "In my 24 years of law enforcement, I have never seen a more gruesome dog-on-dog attack. Given the fact that there were children and other adults in the immediate area, it appears by all accounts that the deputy had no other choice."

The owner of the pit bulls, 37-year-old Christopher Steven Crumbliss, was cited for Failure to Control a Pet Animal, Failure to Prevent a Pet Animal Hazard and Failure to License a Pet Animal.

Additionally, Crumbliss will face State of Colorado charges of Unlawful Ownership of a Dangerous Dog.

Crumbliss went looking for his dogs after hearing the commotion, and told deputies they had escaped through a hole in his fence.

The beagle is said to be doing well, although it faces multiple reconstructive surgeries, including possible skin grafts, due to the severity of her injuries.

In November of 2010, Crumbliss pleaded guilty to Town of Breckenridge charges of Vicious Animal and Animal Running at Large, according to the Summit County Sheriff's Office. The charges involved the same dog that was killed on Tuesday.

(7News - Aug 22, 2013)

You may be asking yourself, "What kind of person owns aggressive, nasty dogs like these?" Well, here's your answer:

25 pounds of pot, 200 plants seized and couple arrested
Multiple coordinated drug raids in Larimer and Summit counties on Thursday netted 200 marijuana plants and 25 pounds of finished product.

Two people were arrested, the Larimer County Sheriff's Office said.

Christopher Stephen Crumbliss, 32, and Tiffany Anne Crumbliss, 37, were arrested and are being held at the Larimer County Jail on suspicion of several counts including marijuana cultivation, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of more than 8 ounces of marijuana.

The couple was arrested in May 2007 for marijuana cultivation and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, the Sheriff's Office said. They were also held on suspicion of bail bond violation. 

(The Denver Post - Aug 17 2008)